Everton fans said their goodbyes to Goodison Park on Sunday, and it was also a chance for many supporters to watch one player in action for the final time.
It was a special day at the weekend as Evertonians bid farewell to the Grand Old Lady.
The scenes of thousands of fans lining the streets surrounding Goodison won’t be forgotten, and the hope now is that the new Hill Dickinson Stadium will play host to as many special memories.
One man who will not be playing there next season though, is Ashley Young.
Ahead of the Goodison Park finale, Everton confirmed Young would be moving on this summer when his contract expires.
Young apparently already has proposals on the table from other clubs, as he eyes a new chapter despite approaching the age of 40.
But Young has now made an interesting suggestion regarding his exit from Everton.
Ashley Young suggests he actually wanted to stay at Everton
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Young has turned out for the final time at Goodison like everyone else, but will potentially take to the pitch for the final time for Everton this Sunday.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
He hasn’t been a starter for a while now, but with Seamus Coleman going off injured against Southampton he may well play from the beginning against Newcastle.
Young will then end his two-year spell as an Everton player.
Everton confirmed Young’s departure last week, and many fans reckon it was probably the right call not to extend his contract.
Young spoke about his exit after the win over Southampton, and although he’s happy to be moving on, the veteran did suggest he was open to staying.
He said: “It’s been a fantastic two years. Ups and downs. People have been against us, but we stuck together and that’s what the Club’s about: sticking together.
“I’m massively happy. Obviously, I would have wanted to carry on, but it’s one of those things that I look back at the two years. I had my doubt, as I’ve said. But I knew what I had to do. I give 100 percent with any club that I come to.”
Everton will miss Young’s leadership
It’s interesting to hear Young suggest he would have stayed. The implication here is that it was very much a club decision why Young will not be with Everton next season.
While he did have some good performances in a blue shirt, Everton are right to move him on as the average age of the squad needs lowering – this season, only West Ham United’s squad has had a higher average age.
Ashley Young for Everton (2024/25)
Appearances – 35
Goals – 1
Assist – 3
That said, Young will be missed from a leadership standpoint.
He’s had a great career and is someone who is respected, and his character and personality will likely be missed in the dressing room.